Wicklow arts centre issues plea for €40,000 to keep lights on

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

District councillors in Bray have been asked to consider allocating €40,000 of their discretionary funding towards an upgrade of the lighting system at the Mermaid Arts Centre.

Addressing the elected members during their February monthly meeting Mermaid's CEO and artistic director Aoife Demel said they need a funding boost to help keep the lights on.

She also highlighted a popular misconception that the venue is a commercial venue.

“We are, in fact, a charity that exists to bring artistic experiences to the people of County Wicklow and to support artists in the creation of work. We receive 21pc of our costs from Wicklow County Council, 19pc from the Arts Council and the remaining 60pc needs to be generated from ticket sales and donations.”

Ms Demel highlighted how recent sharp increases in core costs and static funding means that centre is under huge pressure to stay afloat.

“We are calling to the people and businesses of County Wicklow to support us now to ensure that we can remain a fundamental part of the offering of County Wicklow.”

Last year was the busiest year on record for the centre with more than 400 events taking place both in the building itself and across the county.

Ms Demel outlined how Mermaid has been forced to increase rental rates for both commercial rentals and for local arts community groups to cover costs.

“Not all incoming shows at Mermaid hire the venue, in cases that don't Mermaid keeps a maximum of 30pc of box office income to go towards costs. The balance goes directly to the incoming artists.

“The ‘sponsor a seat’ initiative offers both local businesses and individuals the opportunity to support us by having their support acknowledged on a plaque on a seat in the auditorium for three years at a time.

“The funding from this will go directly into ensuring the financial viability and survival of the venue. Mermaid is calling on people and businesses to also become Friends of Mermaid.”

As part of its long-term sustainability goals, Ms Demel outlined how the centre is actively seeking to refurbish existing infrastructure, specifically making the switch to LED lamps which are more energy efficient.

“The move to LED is intended to lower core operating costs while ensuring the venue can continue to support high-quality performances for audiences and artists.”

Established back in 2002, the Arts Centre has always strived to be a pivotal part of the artistic landscape in County Wicklow.

“As a charity, we are calling on you now to support us to ensure a bright future for the arts in Wicklow,” she added.

There was widespread support and praise for Ms Demel’s efforts.

Cllr Melanie Corrigan, who is vice chair of the centre, complimented the team on their efforts, fully supporting the call for funding.

Cllr Joe Behan labelled Ms Demel a “fantastic ambassador and leader for the centre,” while calling on Wicklow County Council to provide more support to the arts centre.

Cllr Erika Doyle, who is a former board member, appealed to the public to buy tickets and support the centre in their endeavour to support the local arts community.

“All of us here are committed to help and support the cause. We will take your proposal under consideration,” she added.

In a recently commissioned spoken word piece by artist Colm Keegan, people were asked to “step up now and become a guiding light for Mermaid – to be a lantern, the bright flame that helps lead the way or a beacon, to stand firm and luminous in your support for creative brilliance or to be Sirius, named after the star that shines brightest in the sky, to take your place as a guiding light and the ultimate support for the arts in your community”.

Speaking about the ‘sponsor a seat’ campaign, after the council meeting, Anne Ferris, chair of the board of Mermaid County Wicklow Arts Centre stressed the urgency of support.

“As chairperson of the board, I feel compelled to say that Mermaid is now at a crossroads,” she said.

" We have to be honest when we tell you that the future of Mermaid is by no means certain. We cannot promise that Mermaid will always be here with you, in the heart and soul of Bray. So we need your help”.